High Visibility Standard

This European standard specifies the requirements for clothing designed to visibly emphasize the wearer’s presence in hazardous work areas during the day and at night and where there is a risk from moving vehicles or processes.

There are three classifications related to risk assessment and each class requires that minimum areas of Hi-Visibility materials are incorporated in the garment. These minimum areas comprise of background material (the main fabric colour) and retroreflective material (generally reflective tape). This area is measured on the smallest garment in the product range, with all fasteners adjusted to the smallest configuration possible.

Combined Certification – Class 3 Hi-Visibility Protection

In some cases, a single Hi-Visibility garment may not achieve Class 3 certification on its own. However, it can reach the highest level of visibility protection when combined with another certified garment.
For example, a Class 2 jacket worn together with Class 1 trousers can achieve an overall Class 3 certification. When such combinations apply, this information is clearly stated in the User Information Sheet or Manufacturer’s Technical Data provided with the garments.

It’s important to note that smaller garment sizes may not meet the same visibility area requirements as larger ones due to surface area limitations on both the background fabric and reflective tape. In such cases, the care label will specify the exact class to which the garment is certified.

Use of Logos on Hi-Visibility Garments

Logos and branding may be applied to Hi-Visibility garments, but they must not reduce or obstruct the required minimum visible area of fluorescent or reflective material. Extra caution is advised when applying logos to smaller sizes, where the available visible area is more limited.

At Ethica Tex, we use premium-quality materials and reflective components, including Henderson Reflective Tapes, to ensure compliance and long-lasting visibility.